If the Colts can keep QB Andrew Luck clean against one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL, this game could be a walk in the park for Indianapolis. Regardless, they should have no problem scoring against the Raiders as they are allowing more than 29 points per game.

Oakland is allowing 8.7 yards per attempt and has struggled all season defending running backs out of the backfield. Expect this to be a game in which rookie RB Nyhiem Hines sees close to double-digit targets as the Raiders lack speed at linebacker. On the defensive side of the ball, if the Colts can stop the Raiders’ dink-and-dunk offense from creating plays after the catch, they should have no trouble against one of the worst offenses in the NFL.

Raiders’ keys to victory:

The Raiders will be without star RB Marshawn Lynch as he will miss the next month with a groin injury. With no real threat in the backfield, Oakland will need QB Derek Carr to play his best game of the season.

On defense, the Raiders have to force a few turnovers to stay competitive. They lack the overall talent to stop anyone consistently. If they can fool QB Andrew Luck into making a couple of questionable throws, it should allow them to keep this close.

Matchup to watch: Colts LG Quenton Nelson vs. DT Maurice Hurst

Two of the best rookies from the 2018 NFL Draft will be facing one another this week. LG Quenton Nelson has been everything the Colts have hoped for and has helped stabilize their offensive line. He will be asked to block DT Maurice Hurst, who has arguably been the best rookie defender in the league. This will be a high-level matchup from two of the best up-and-coming interior players in the NFL.

Prediction: Colts 27-24

The Raiders are coming off their bye week and should be fresh for this contest. However, the Colts have too much talent on offense and should be able to move the ball up and down the field on this Raiders’ defense.

Email

Like this article?

Sign up for the Raiders Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning

An error has occured

Please re-enter your email address.

Thanks for signing up!

You'll now receive the top Raiders Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.